Ellen Mae Hanzlicek

Ellen Mae Hanzlicek passed away on September 17, 2021, at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Ellsworth, KS, at the age of 92. She was born on February 28, 1929, to Carl and Minne (Borell) Heinze on the Heinze family farm in Russell County, KS. She moved to Wilson at age 11. She married Larry D. Hanzlicek on June 12, 1951, in Wilson. Ellen graduated from Wilson High School in 1947. She then went on to attend Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS where she earned a teaching certificate, and especially enjoyed singing in the Messiah Chorus. She taught in Claflin, Dorrance, Lucas, and Wilson schools. She was a Librarian at Lang Memorial Library and a Senior Companion at Wilson Nursing Home. She also managed Wilson Lumber Company. Ellen served on the USD 328 Board of Education, Wilson City Council, and Ellsworth County Hospital Board. She was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Wilson where she directed the choir for many years and was a member of Women of ELCA. She also enjoyed directing many community Christmas programs at the Wilson Opera House, and loved activities and trips with her family. Although Ellen will be greatly missed, her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she loved. For to each one of us who had the privilege of knowing and loving her, she leaves a legacy of strong faith, deep caring, and devoted love. Ellen is survived by four children: Gay Busker of Russell, Scott Hanzlicek and wife Barbara of Hutchinson, KS, Todd Hanzlicek and wife Wanda of Wilson, and Kris Hanzlicek and wife Lisa of Lawrence, KS; eleven grandchildren: Brooke Hanzlicek, Kelly Busker, Curtis Busker, Colby Hanzlicek, Kirstin Hanzlicek, Lauran Ray, Leslie Ray, Mollie Miller, Hanna Miller, Lacey Kirwan, and Megan Sneath; and six great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant daughter Jill Elizabeth, and two sisters: Elvera Goad and Melva Boxberger. Ellen passed away exactly twenty-five years after her beloved husband, Larry. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at 10:30 AM at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wilson. There will be a book signing on Tuesday 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home in Wilson. Memorials are suggested to Good Samaritan Society or Kindred Hospice and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 610 24th St, PO Box 533, Wilson, KS 67490.